Hildie, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a transplant to the south who became passionate about writing about five years ago.  After almost thirty years working in and with the US Army I left the government to pursue writing full time. I am addicted to reading romance, everything about it makes me happy, so it was a natural transition to writing.  I love shopping, traveling and wine.  My favorite thing to do besides everything above is to hang out with my husband and friends.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Growing up I wanted to be a soldier/mercenary.  Isn’t that what every little girl wants to be?  (Laughs) It was during High School that I began to write.  Short stories at first.  I think it wasn’t until my forties that I developed a hunger for writing

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I can’t write and drink.  So when writing, no alcohol for me.  It’s too bad, sometimes I really want a glass of wine. But my writing turns to crap really fast when I drink.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Westbound Awakening is a sequel to Where The Four Winds Collide.  I use the term ‘sequel’ loosely since it is a complete standalone story.  Westbound Awakening is  the story of a young woman, Mae Hawkins, who was raised in a brothel.  She is now the madam and has been in love with a cavalry captain, John McClain,  for years.  When he escorts her west to see her dying father, the attraction for each other is hampered by preconceived notions and the hero’s pride.  It’s not an easy love story for these two. I cried several times while writing it, but in the end I think it’s a great tale of how two people come together and work through adversity.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When they appear in How The Four Winds collide, they spoke volumes to me.  In the moments of awkward silence and few words they exchanged, I knew there was a story to be told.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I am in the midst of writing another Western HIstorical series. “Shades of Blue”, for which the prequel novella Big Sky Blue, has already been published.  It is my hope the series will be published on December 1, 2013.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I want to meet Linda Lael Miller.  I love her westerns, both historical and contemporary.  She’s my muse!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write what you love and never give up.  The more you write the better you and your stories become.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I have a group of friends and we’re working on our bucket lists together.  I’ve traveled extensively, it’s my hobby.  But I’ve yet to visit New York City.  I want to go thee so bad!

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

The next JR Ward novel, Possession.  I’m hooked on her books!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of visiting.  Its great to reach new readers!  One commenter on this blog will win a prize pack from me!

Westbound Awakening buy link

Captain John McClain finds himself on the wrong end of a shotgun when attempting to find his child. Heading west to find the mother of his son and the outlaw who shot him, John is forced to escort an enticing woman whose lifestyle goes against every one of his moral standards, yet she calls to every part of him.

Heading west to meet the dying father she never knew, and possibly starting a new life, Mae Hawkins didn’t expect the added complication of traveling with the one man she always loved.

When they’re joined along the road by a minister and his wife, things get beyond complicated for John and Mae who awaken to the lesson that sometimes differences are more imagined than real in this unforgettable journey.

A little about Hildie

Hildie McQueen loves storytelling and unusual settings, pair that with humor and you’ve got an idea of what her writing is like.

She makes sure action, intrigue, and sizzling romance add up to a story, her readers won’t soon forget.  Her favorite past-times are traveling, shopping and reading. She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and two unruly Chihuahuas.

Learn more about Hildie here:  Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads | Pinterest

Giveaway:

Coach wristlet (Stagecoach days and all)  and an e-copy of Westbound Awakening